Calls A Graveyard

far away in southern Devon

as the crow flies to the sea

where white crested waves are rolling

where green hills are rising gently

where thick red clay cakes the wet boot

in a graveyard lies my father

with a wish to speak to me

"close your eyes your heart will guide you

do not pine for long lost loved ones

do not wish me back to find you

with your grey eyes sadly misted

in a world i don't remember

nurture all who struggle daily

in your living family

stand beside your little sister

as you did when you were children

when her tears spilled out in sorrow

when her knees were grazed and bleeding

take her hand and lead her forward

through her darkest days of grieving

serving her, you do so me"

Reviews

[shadrach hah]

Hi Chris, this is, you've heard it before, such a heartfelt write. This is a poem that so easily moves the reader. An emotional write that stirs the emotions in the reader's heart. My mum and dad are both gone now and I miss them every day. They are still with me. Your wonderful poem touched me. Hugs always....Mike.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Mike, I appreciate your thoughful review. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[shadrach hah]

You are always welcome, Chris. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs....Mike.

[duff]

Beautiful writing.

"where thick red clay cakes the wet boot" Love that line. Stunning poetry Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you duff for your encouragement. All good wishes to you.

Chris

[duff]

Cheers Chris.

[Samuel Dickens]

With poetic flair, you tell us your father's message to his fair daughter. I am touched by the sad beauty of this. Hopefully, all fathers would send similar messages.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sam for your lovely review. Keep safe and take good care of yourself.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Love carries memories. That is what this poem carries. Good work

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Arundass for the encouraging review. All good wishes.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Wish I could leave a rational review., Chris.. can only say this carries so much to me. Beautiful words, More. Thank you.

' .. do not pine for long lost loved ones. ' ~ ~ ' .. nurture all who struggle daily .. in your living family '

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Em. Words I imagined my father saying. Wise he was, I am not and still grieve his loss. However, at the moment my attention is with my sister. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[emmajoy]

Understandable and as should be within families, Love binds whenever and whatever.. always. No visit to Cumbria for us. Thoughts and feeling scan fly however, can't they. Hugs, thoughts and all.

[Chris Shaw]

Reciprocated hugs on their way to you :))

[barleygirl]

I love how you come up with the most inventive ways to show the everlasting connectedness between people, whether alive or not. As I read "a world i don't remember" (middle verse), it came to me that many of those who've passed over may not take too kindly to returning to the mess the world seems to be for many! That's reassuring in a weird way & I love your ironic overtones (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Margie for calling and reviewing. Much appreciated as always.

Chris

[alanwgraham]

What a beautiful bitter sweet poem Christ. Your brief word picture of South Devon is lovely and then the imaginary conversation with your departed father and his wise words for you to focus on your present younger sister.
Take care,
Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Alan for checking in and reviewing this poem. Hope all is well with you and yours. Keep safe.

Chris

[MCS]

Beautiful words in all their sadness
We always miss our loved ones

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mary for your kind response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

Chris - it must be so sad when those we loved dearly are long gone from us. How wondrous it must be to feel that when we really need a little something extra, we can feel their positive presence.

Chris - take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dave for your visit. All good wishes. Take care.

Chris

[Dave]

Always my best to you - Dave

[Lorry]

Those loved once now past would whisper these words to the mourning Annette, already knowing that the ache of loss is the mark of being loved and living a good life, but said with a smile, as they know both themselves and those mourning already knew that and although thankful for being missed, would rather see you smile again than cry one more tear.
So beautifully captured.

[Lorry]

Oops, I meant Chris... Was looking through my to reviews and got mixuperated 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Appreciate the visit. I don't mind you being mixuperated either. Hope all is good over the border, well as good as can be expected in these dats of isolation.

Chris